Between the tendon and the hip joint is the iliopsoas bursa (a small sac of fluid) that helps reduce friction and provides cushioning. .
Symptoms
Pain in the hip and thigh region, hip stiffness and a clicking or snapping feeling in the hip are signs of iliopsoas injuries. (Snapping hip syndrome may be caused by the iliopsoas tendon catching on the pelvis when the hip is flexed. This may cause a 'snap' in the that may or may not cause pain).
Treatment
Treatment for iliopsoas syndrome is to rest the joint so the inflammation decreases and pain stops.
- After an injury it's important to rest the injured muscle, sometimes for up to two or three weeks.
- R.I.C.E - Rest, Ice and Compression and elevation may help.
- An anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation.
- A stretching program can be started as soon as the pain and swelling subsides.
- A strengthening program should be used to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle in order to prevent re-injury. Make sure you increase this gradually.
Prevention
As with all overuse injuries, iliopsoas syndrome can be caused by doing too much, too soon. When beginning or stepping up any exercise routine it is important to do so gradually. Follow the ten percent rule to avoid this trap.
